Test Drive: Ford rumbles into town on a muscular 2013 Mustang GT

View full sizeFor 2013, Mustang boasts an even more aggressive stance and a new lighting configuration. LED fog lights are mounted inside the grille on the GT.John M. Vincent/The Oregonian

There’s nothing subtle about the Mustang GT. You will be noticed. Whether you choose a color like “Race Red,” “Gotta Have It Green” or something less visually jarring, the look and menacing rumble of the Mustang will turn heads.

For 2013, the Mustang’s appearance has been updated with new front and rear ends. The 5.0-liter V-8 in the GT has been bumped by 8 to 420-horsepower.

The now-standard HID headlights have been moved a few inches toward the center to allow space on the corners for turn signals and two stripes of LED accents. GT models feature LED fog lights mounted inside the more prominent grille, flanking the classic Mustang symbol.

On the back, the sequential three-bar turn signals have been retained, but they’re now ringed with red LED lighting that contrasts against the glossy black accent panel filling the space between the lights.

Completing the lighting upgrades are unique “pony lights” that project the Mustang’s pony symbol onto the ground alongside the car when you approach the car and press the remote unlock button.

Two engines are available. The base coupe and convertible carry over last year’s 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower model that achieves a phenomenal EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway. With the great balance of power and economy, the V-6 is actually my preferred engine in this car, but the 5.0-liter V-8 in the GT model is a whole lot more fun.

For 2013, the V-8 cranks out 420 horsepower and earns EPA fuel economy estimates of 18/city and 25/highway (26/hwy with an automatic transmission.) Like most performance cars, you can have the mileage or the power. In my weekly driving city/highway mix, I chose more of the latter, earning barely a computed 18 mpg average.

View full sizeFord has ringed the Mustang's three-bar turn signals with red LED lighting on a glossy black accent panel.John M. Vincent/The Oregonian

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and now includes hill-start assist. The available 6-speed automatic features a manual mode that will hold the selected gear clear to redline when asked. That redline is way up at 7,000 rpm, and the revvy Ford V-8 is happier to do its work up there than most peers.

The 2013 features electrically assisted power steering with boost that can be tuned by the driver for varying conditions from light for touring to heavy for more performance-oriented driving. Our test car featured the awesome optional Brembo brake package that performed admirably and consistently in wet or dry conditions.

For drivers wishing to spend time on the track with their GT, a track package is available that includes the Brembo brakes, a 3.73 rear axle, upgraded cooling and brake pads, and the Torsen differential from the Mustang Boss 302.

View full sizeRetro-cool gauges and available leather seats give the interior a powerful feel, too, with a definite nod to Mustang's heritage.John M. Vincent/The Oregonian

The Mustang’s interior treatment showcases the car’s heritage, but in some ways limits ergonomics. The gauges are retro cool, but hard to read, while the steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope. Performance Recaro front seats are available with cloth or leather surfaces.